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Medical specialists express concerns over Budget proposals
Colombo, Feb 20 (Daily Mirror) - The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has voiced both appreciation and concern over the 2025 Budget proposals, highlighting key issues affecting state-employed medical professionals.
In a statement, AMS acknowledged the government’s decision to implement a new wage structure based on an increased basic salary rather than fixed allowances.
The association noted that this move is a step in the right direction, as a reasonable basic salary ensures better retirement benefits and proper calculation of allowances.
However, AMS expressed disappointment that the implementation is spread over three years, which they believe dilutes its benefits for many state employees.
In addition, the AMS commended the government for addressing the pension rights of officers retiring before the full implementation of the increased salary in 2027.
Despite these positives, AMS raised serious concerns regarding the devaluation of after-hours duty payments, which they argue could negatively impact healthcare services. The budget has proposed reducing the extra duty payment ratio from 1/80th to 1/120th and the holiday pay ratio from 1/20th to 1/30th. AMS emphasized that after-hours and holiday duties are mandatory and critical to maintaining an effective healthcare system. The association urged the government to restore these payments to current levels to prevent frustration and dissatisfaction among health workers.
AMS also expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to address the longstanding grievances of Medical Specialists, despite the significant shortage threatening the country’s healthcare system. The association pointed out that the Budget 2025 does not provide solutions for key issues such as:
• Non-implementation of PA 22/99 circular on transport allowances for Medical Specialists, which is available to parallel grades.
• The lack of appropriate remuneration for offsite after-hours duties due to fixed extra duty payments.
• The exclusion of non-clinical work in the final remuneration of Medical Specialists.
AMS warned that the continued decline in Medical Specialists’ salaries compared to parallel public service categories could worsen internal and external brain drain.
As such, they urged the government to swiftly address these issues to create a more favorable working environment, which they believe is crucial to retaining and encouraging young doctors to pursue postgraduate studies in Sri Lanka.
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